European football’s governing body UEFA has warned FIFA of possible legal action over President Gianni Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues to private investors.
The controversial proposal, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), was aimed at raising about $4.2 billion from investors, including a New York-based investment firm linked to businessman Joshua Kushner.
The plan was withdrawn by Infantino on Saturday after it sparked widespread criticism from football stakeholders, with UEFA leading calls for opposition against the move.
In a legal letter sent to FIFA, UEFA said it was “actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints” over the proposal and related matters.
The letter, issued by UEFA’s lawyers at Dechert in New York, also instructed 18 FIFA executives to preserve documents, electronic messages and other materials that could be used as evidence in possible proceedings.
UEFA warned that any destruction, alteration or concealment of relevant information after receiving the notice could amount to the loss of evidence.
The dispute has increased pressure on Infantino, whose leadership has come under scrutiny following the proposal.
UEFA has said the FIFA president no longer has the confidence of the global football community and that “no option should be off the table” regarding his future.
The proposed FFE initiative would have created a separate commercial entity valued by FIFA at about $20 billion, taking control of the organisation’s major revenue-generating activities, including tournament and commercial operations.
Under the plan, FIFA’s 211 member associations would have received one-off payments of $20 million each if they accepted the offer by a September deadline.
The proposal faced strong resistance from UEFA, while football bodies including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF also voiced concerns.
FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour criticised the process, saying staff members felt misled by Infantino’s handling of the plan.
The backlash has changed Infantino’s political position within world football. Before the controversy, he appeared set to secure another term as FIFA president in the March 2027 election, which could have extended his leadership until 2031.
UEFA’s opposition has also raised questions about the support Infantino enjoys among FIFA’s member associations.
While he has maintained strong backing from several African football nations, other confederations have expressed concerns over the proposed reforms.
The FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027, with candidate nominations closing on November 18, 2026. Morocco, one of Infantino’s key allies, is set to host the election.
SOURCE: CNN